Meyer serves up indirect shot to Kiffin with compliment to Dooley

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 11:45pm

Staff reports

Much of the talk in the opening session of Southeastern Conference football media days on Wednesday had to do with professional football in general and specifically agents and their impact on college players and programs.

Alabama’s Nick Saban was particularly pointed in his comments and even suggested colleges and universities ought to explore banning professional scouts from their campuses. It was revealed this week that the Crimson Tide are one of several high profile programs currently under investigation.

In the midst of all of that, Florida’s Urban Meyer still managed to take an indirect shot at former University of Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. Meyer did not mention Kiffin by name, but his response to a question about the Volunteers’ change in coaches – Derek Dooley was hired in January – was telling.

“I have a lot of respect for the new coach of Tennessee,” Meyer said. “I spent a lot of time talking to him.

“You can tell he has everything in order. He's a high-character guy. That's nice to see. I have a lot of respect for that coach.”